This summer, Deep Center’s Slam Team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to represent Savannah at Brave New Voices (BNV) 2025. This international youth poetry festival brings together young writers, performers, and leaders from across the country. Our young people definitely had a good time and rocked the stage. This year’s team was made up of four returners Ytinu McDonald, Amora Bowman, Keyonna Mitchell, and Kayonna Mitchell, and one new Slam Team member, Jaylin Collins.

Between performing, attending workshops, and exploring the campus, our team made instant connections with youth from across the country. As poet Jaylin put it: “I finally found my people.”

Our team joined hundreds of youth from cities including Oakland, Baltimore, and Chicago, each bringing their culture, identity, and lineage to the stage. From the welcome show to the “Best of BNV” on the final night, our youth showed up not only with their words, but with complete confidence in who they are and where they come from. We witnessed pieces exploring love, grief, environmental justice, public transportation, community violence, and more. Each one was a reflection of what matters most to this generation.

The BNV staff designed a deeply affirming creative culture, using the University of Madison–a small city by a large lake–as the fortress. From workshops to dorm life, late-night practice sessions to playful banter in the hallways, they had a great time and gained tools not just to improve as writers and performers, but as individuals and teammates.  

One highlight was when celebrity poets took the stage. Jasmine Mans, named Essence’s #1 Contemporary Black Poet To Know, and Tarriona “Tank” Ball, 2025 Grammy-award winner for Best Spoken Word Album, took the stage. Both are BNV alums who have grown into cultural icons. These full-circle moments reminded us that what begins at BNV doesn’t end there. The legacy of spoken word continues to unfold through mentorship, community, and creative discipline.

Although our young people missed the final stage by only a decimal point, they delivered their pieces masterfully. Peers and coaches from other teams commended them in the halls not only for their powerful work but for the way they carried themselves. And they did not go home empty-handed. Our Deep Flow SLAM team won the Spirit of the Slam Award, which honors the team that represents not only performance but also the heart of BNV. And, of course, we won that award!

That is the essence of Brave New Voices. It’s more than a competition; it’s an outpouring of love, respect, and courage into every moment. It’s a reunion of kindred spirits. It’s where young people discover they are not alone, and that their voice belongs not only on the stage, but in the world as well.

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Want to experience the magic of SLAM for yourself or learn more? Email Jezmin Daniels at jezmin@deepcenter.org